13beta-lower alkyl-delta**4,9-gonadiene-3-ones



United States Patent Oflice 3,519,654 Patented July 7, 1970 13,8-LOWER ALKYL-A -GONADIENE-3-ONES Daniel Bertin, Montrouge, Andr Pierdet, Noisy-le-Sec, Lucien Nedelec, Clichy-sous-Bois, and Jean-Claude Gasc, Bondy, France, assignors to Roussel UCLAF, Paris, France, a corporation of France N Drawing. Continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 586,948, Oct. 17, 1966. This application May 13, 1969, Ser. No. 824,321

Claims priority, application France, Oct. 22, 1965, 35,958; Mar. 1, 1966, 51,506; Apr. 19, 1966, 58,177; Apr. 20, 1966, 58,340; June 1, 1966, 63,697; July 12, 1966,

Int. Cl. C07c 173/00 US. Cl. 260-349 28 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Novel 13B-lower alkyl-ll-substituted steroids of the formula wherein R is selected from the group consisting of lower alkoxy, which may be substituted such as with halogens, hydroxy and cyano, aralkoxy, SH, lower alkylthio, aralkylthio and azido, X is a residue of the A ring of the steroid molecule which may be substituted and X is the residue of the B, C and D rings of the steroid molecule which may be substituted which possess interesting physiological properties. Their endocrinic and/or metabolic activities are generally superior to the corresponding 11 fl-hydroxy steroids. They particularly possess an important hypocholesteroleminant activity as Well as an estrogenic activity and an inhibiting activity on hypophysical gonadotrophines.

PRIOR APPLICATION The present application is a continuation-in-part application of copending, commonly assigned US. patent application Ser. No. 586,948, filed Oct. 17, 1966, now abandoned.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide the novel 11- substituted steroids of Formula I.

It is another object of the invention to provide novel intermediates for the ll-substituted steroids of Formula I.

It is a further object of the invention to provide novel therapeutic compositions.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a novel method of treating hypercholesterolemia in warmblooded animals.

These and other objects and advantages of the in-vention will become obvious from the following detailed de scription.

THE INVENTION wherein R is selected from the group consisting of lower alkoxy, which may be substituted such as with hydroxy, halogen and cyano, aralkoxy, SH, lower alkylthio, aralkylthio and azido, X is the remainder of the A ring of the steroid molecule which may be substituted and X' is the remainder of B, C and D rings of the steroid molecule which may be substituted. The said steroids may be substituted in various positions, such as the 1, 2, 7, 16 and 17-positions such as halogen or methyl in the 1- or 2-position or a methyl in the 16-position.

A preferred group of ll-substituted steroids of the invention are compounds having a gonane nucleus with the A ring having a A -3-one grouping and a double bond in the 9(10) position, said nucleus having a lower alkyl radical in the 13B-position and in the ll-position a substituent selected from the group consisting of lower alkoxy, aralkoxy, thiol, lower alkylthio, aralkylthio and azido and the D ring having a substituent in the 17-position selected from the group consisting of OH 0110 OH OH OH H H lower alkyl lower alkynyl halo lower alkynyl halogen and alkyl lower alkyl wherein Ac is the acyl of an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to 18 carbon atoms and Z is lower alkyl.

A more preferred group of compounds are those having the formula wherein R has the above definition, R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl such as methyl or ethyl, Y is selected from the group consisting of Z is lower alkyl of 1 to 7 carbon atoms such as methyl, R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,

lower alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, isobutyl, lower alkenyl such as allyl, lower alkynyl and halo lower alkynyl such as ethynyl and chloroethynyl, R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an acyl of an organic carboxylic of 1 to 18 carbon atoms and R is lower alkyl, particularly of 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and isobutyl.

The acyl radicals of organic carboxylic acids having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms are those of aliphatic or cycloaliphatic, saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acids or those of aromatic or heterocyclic carboxylic acids. For example, alkanoic acids such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, trimethylacetic acid, caproic acid, fi-trimethylpropionic acid, oenantic acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, undecylic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid; alkenoic acids such as undecylenic acid, oleic acid; cycloalkanoic acids, such as cyclopentyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl and cyclohexyl carboxylic acids; cycloalkylalkanoic acids, such as oyclopropylmethyl carboxylic acid, cyclobutylmethyl carboxylic acid; cyclopentylethyl carboxylic acid, cyclohexylethyl carboxylic acid; phenylacetic or propionic acid; benzoic acid; phenoxyalkanoic acids, such as phenoxyacetic acid, p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 4-terbutylphenoxyacetic acid, 3- phenoxypropionic acid, 4-phenoxybutyric acid; fi-ketocarboxylic acids, such as acetylacetic acid, propionylacetic acid, butyrylacetic acid; alkylene polycarboxylic acids, such as succinic acid, adipic acid, citric acid; sulfobenzoic acids, such as m-sulfobenzoic acid, etc.

Among the preferred compounds of the invention are 1LB-methoxy-l7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17,8-01-3-one;

1lfi-isopropyloxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17f3-ol-3-one;

1 lfl-methoxy-17a-allyl-A -estradiene-17,6-ol-3-one;

1 1 3- (fi-hydroxyethoxy l 7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene 17fi-ol-3-one;

1 1,8-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl- 1 7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene 17fl-ol-3one;

11fl-(2'-cyanoethoxy)-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17/3-ol-3-one;

1 1B-(2-chloroethoxy)-A -estradiene-3,17-dione;

l lp-methylthio-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17fi-ol-3-one;

1 lfi-methoxy-A -estradiene-3 ,17-dione;

1 l,B-methoxy-17a-methyl-A -estradiene-l7/S-ol-3-one;

7a-methyl-1 lfi-methoxy-l 7a-ethynyl- A -estradiene-17B-ol-3-one;

7 u-methyl-l 1 p-isopropyloxyl 7a-ethynyl- A -estradiene-l7 8-ol-3-one;

1 1 flazido-l 7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-l 7,8-ol-3 -one 7u-methyl-1 1 8-benzyloxy-17a-ethynyl- A -estradienel7 3-ol-3-one;

7a-methyl-1 lfl-ethylthio- 17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17 ,6-ol-3-one;

7ez-methyl-l LB-propylthio-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17 fl-ol-3-one 7a-methyl-1 1,G-n-butylthio-17a-ethynyl-d estradiene- 17e-ol-3-one;

The novel ll-substituted steroids of Formula I can be prepared by the process described in copending, commonly assigned US. patent application Ser. No. 587,001, filed on Oct. 17, 1966, now US. Pat. No. 3,472,884, which comprises reacting a A -gonadiene-11fl-ol-3-one of the formula wherein X and X have the above definition with a compound selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, a glycol, a mercaptan, an alkali metal azide and hydrogen sulfide in the presence of a strong acid selected from the group consisting of inorganic oxyacids, organic acids and boron trifluoride and its complexes in an aprotic solvent to form the corresponding steroid substituted in the 11- position with an ether, thioether, thiol or azido group.

Examples of suitable strong acids for the process of the invention are inorganic oxyacids such as perchloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, etc.; organic acids such as p-toluene sulfonic acid, etc.; and boron trifluoride and complexes thereof. The use of hydrochloric acid which leads mainly to aromatization of the A ring is avoided. The acid is used in small quantities.

Examples of suitable reactants for the process of the invention are lower alkanols of 1 to 7 carbon atoms, such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, propanol, butanol, tert.-butanol, chloro ethanol, cyano ethanol, glycols such as ethylene glycol, etc.; aralkyl alcohols such as benzyl alcohol, B-phenyl-ethanol, etc.; alkyl mercaptans of 1 to 7 carbon atoms such as methyl mercaptan, ethyl mercaptan, propyl mercaptan, n-butyl mercaptan, tert.-butyl mercaptan, etc.; hydrogen sulfide and alkali metal azides such as sodium azide, etc. The said reactants can be used in amounts of 1 to 25 moles of said reactant per mole of the starting ll-hydroxy steroid.

Examples of suitable aprotic solvents for the process are halogenated hydrocarbons, such as methylene chloride, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, etc.; aliphatic and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons such as n-hexane, cyclohexane, etc.; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, etc.; alkyl ethers such as ethyl ether, etc.; cyclic others such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, etc.; low molecular weight organic carboxylic acid esters such as ethyl acetate, etc.

The reaction is preferably conducted about room temperature although temperatures from 10 to 30 C. may be used. The reaction takes place very rapidly, being practically instantaneous, so that the reaction is completed at the end of a few minutes. The products can be iso* lated by adding water to the reaction mixture, decanting olf the organic phase, and evaporating the organic phase to dryness followed by purification by means such as chromatography.

The novel therapeutic compositions of the invention are comprised of at least one ll-substituted steroid of the formula wherein R is selected from the group consisting of lower alkoxy, aralkoxy, fiSH, lower alkylthio, aralkylthio and azido, X is the remainder of the A ring of the steroid molecule which may be substituted, and X is the remainder of B, C and D rings of the steroid molecule which may be substituted, and a major amount of a pharmaceutical carrier. The compositions may be prepared in the form of injectable suspensions or solutions, in ampoules and multidose flacons, in tablets, lozenges, coated pills, sublingual pills, capsules or suppositories.

The said compositions possess an important hypocholestosterolemiant activity as well as an estrogenic activity and an inhibitory activity on hypophysial gonatrophine. Therefore, they can be utilized for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia as well as preventive or curative agents in arterial disorders, in aortitis, in coronary disorders, in cerebral arteritis, in chest angina and atheromatosis and they can be used for the treatment of pathological ailments due to hypoestrogenia or due to an excess of hypophysial hormones due to castration or menopause.

The novel method of the invention for treating hypercholesterolemia in warm-blooded animals comprises administering to warm blooded animals an effective amount of at least one ll-substituted steroid of the formula wherein R is selected from the group consisting of lower alkoxy, aralkoxy, -SH, lower alkylthio, aralkylthio and azido, X is the remainder of the A ring of the steroid molecule which may be substituted and X is the remainder of B, C and D rings of the steroid molecule which may be substituted. The said steroid may be administered orally, perlingually, transcutaneously or rectally.

The usual dose of the compounds for the adult will vary depending upon the specific compound and the method of administration but is usually between 0.01 and 0.3 mg./kg. The daily dose for llfi-methoxy-lh-ethynyl- A estradiene-17B-ol-3-one, 1lfi-ethoxy-l7a-ethynyl-A estradiene-l7fi-ol-3-one, 11fl-methylthio-l7a-ethynyl-A estradiene-l7B-ol-3-one, 11,8-tert-butyloxy-17a ethynyl- A estradiene-l7fi-ol-3-one 1lB-benzyloxy-l7rx-ethynyl- A -estradiene-l7B-ol-3one, 17a-ethynyl A -estradiene- 17B-ol-3-one and 11,8-n-butylthio-17a ethynyl-A -estradiene-l7fi-ol-3-one is between 0.01 and 0.3 mg./kg.

The daily dose for 7a-methyl-1l18 methoxy 17aethynyl-A -estradiene-175-01-3one is between 0.002 to 0.1 mg./kg., for 1l-azido-17a-ethy1-A -estradiene-175- ol-3-one is between 0.01 mg./kg. to 0.15 mg./kg.

In the following examples, there are described several preferred embodiments to illustrate the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments.

6 EXAMPLE I Preparation of llfi-methoxy-l7a-ethynyl-A estradiene-17fl-ol-3-one 5 gm. of 17oz ethynyl A estradiene 11,8,175- diol-3-one were introduced into 250 cc. of methylene chloride containing 3% methanol, and then 1 cc. of 65% perchloric acid was added under vigorous stirring. The agitation was continued for several minutes following the addition after which the reaction mixture was poured into an ice-water mixture. The mixture was decanted and the organic phase was washed with water, filtered and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue obtained was subjected to chromatography through silica gel. The product obtained was purified by dissolution in methylene chloride, treatment with animal lblack filtration and evaporation to dryness. The residue was crystallized from ether to obtain 2.6 gm. of 11,B-methoxy-17ot-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17B-ol-3-one having a melting point of l62l63 C. and a specific rotation of [a] =93.5 (c.=1.1% of methanol).

Ultra-violet spectra in ethanol mux. m... 233 u l'tm.=

m... 9 a l"2m= Analysis.Calculated for C H O (percent), molecular weight=326.42: C, 77.27; H, 8.03. Found (percent): C, 77.3; H, 8.0.

The product occurred in the form of stable crystalline needles which were insoluble in water and soluble in most of the usual organic solvents.

An identical product was obtained with similar yields when in the said process the methylene chloride was replaced by cyclohexane, benzene, ether, carbon tetrachloride or chloroform.

This compound is not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE II Preparation of llfl-ethoxy-17ot-ethynyl-n -estradiene- 17,8-ol-3-one 1 gm. of 17B-ethynyl-A -estradiene-l113,17B-diol-3-one was dissolved in 50 cc. of chloroform containing 1% ethanol and then 0.2 cc. of 65% perchloric acid was added, and the reaction mixture was agitated for several minutes at room temperature. The reaction mixture was poured into ice water and the organic phase was decanted. The aqueous phase was re-extracted with chloroform, and the organic solutions were combined and washed with water, dried and finally evaporated to dryness. The residue obtained was purified by chromatography through silica gel. Then, the residue was dissolved in hot ethanol, treated with animal black, filtered, condensed to a small volume and iced. After vacuum, filtering and drying, 343 mg. of l l [i-ethoxy-l7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-175-01-3- one having a melting point of 100ll0 C. were obtained.

The product occurred in the form of small colorless rods which were insoluble in water and soluble in ethanol and chloroform.

Analysis.-Calculated for C H O (perecnt), molecular weight=340.44: C, 77.61; H, 8.29. Found (percent): C, 77.4; H, 8.2.

This compound is not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE III Preparation of 1lfl-isopropyloxy-l7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17fl-ol-3-one 3 gm. of 17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-l15,17fl-diol-3-one were dissolved in cc. of pure methylene chloride,

(free of methanol), and first 1.8 cc. of isopropylic alcohol and then 0.8 cc. of 50% sulfuric acid were added thereto.

The reaction mixture was agitated for minutes and then poured into an ice-water mixture and the product formed was isolated as described in Example I to obtain 1.8 gm. of 1IB-isopropyloxy-l7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17,8-01-3- one.

This compound is not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE IV Preparation of 11,8-benzyloxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiencl7fl-ol-3-one 100 mg. of 17B-ethynyl-A -estradiene-115,17/3-diol-3- one were placed in suspension in 5 cc. of carbon tetrachloride containing 0.07 cc. of benzyl alcohol. After 0.02 cc. of 65% perchloric acid were added, the suspension was agitated for 2 minutes at room temperature and then poured into an ice-water mixture. The product was isolated as described in Example I to obtain 44 mg. of 11/3 benzyloxy 17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17/3-ol-3-one having a melting point of 169-170 C.

This compound is not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE V Preparation of 11B-methoxy-A -estradiene-17,6-01-3-one 0.5 gm. of A -estradiene-l16,17,6-diol-3-one were dissolved in cc. of methylene chloride containing 2% of methanol and after 0.1 cc. of 65 perchloric acid were added thereto, the mixture was agitated for several minutes at room temperature. Then the reaction mixture was poured into ice water, washed with water until the wash waters were neutral and distilled to dryness under vacuum. The residue was crystallized from ethyl ether to obtain 0.335 gm. of 11B-methoXy-M -estradiene-175-01-3- one, having a melting point of 145 C. The product occurred in the form of colorless needles, which were insoluble in water and dilute aqueous acids and alkalis and soluble in most of the common organic solvents.

This compound is not described in the literature.

In analogous manner. 1lfl-methoxy-17a-methyl-A estradiene-17fi-ol-3-one was prepared starting with 17mmethyl-A -estradiene-11,8,175-diol-3-one.

This compound is not described in the literature.

In an analogous manner as well, llfi-ethoxy-A -estrw diene-17B-ol-3-one (M.P.=128 C.) was prepared starting with A -estradiene-l1fl,17fl-diol-3-one.

This compound is not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE VI Preparation of 1lfl-methoXy-M -estradiene-B,17-dione At room temperature, 0.5 gm. of A -estradiene-11B- ol-3,17-dione was dissolved in 25 cc. of methylene chloride containing 2% of methanol and after 5 mg. of paratoluene sulfonic acid were added, the reaction mixture was agitated for several minutes. Then the reaction mixture was poured into ice water, washed with water until the wash waters were neutral and distilled to dryness under vacuum. The residue obtained was crystallized from ethyl ether to obtain 0.46 gm. of llfl-methoxy-d' -estradiene-3,17-dione having a melting point of 140 C.

The product occurred in the form of prisms which were insoluble in water and in dilute aqueous acids and alkalis and soluble in most of the usual organic solvents.

This compound is not described in the literature.

In an analogous manner, but using ethanol in place of methanol, 11fi-ethoxy-A -estradiene-3,17-dione was prepared starting with A -estradiene-11B-o1-3,17-dione.

This compound is not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE VII Preparation of 1lp-methylthio-17u-ethynyl-A -estradiene-l7p-ol-3-one 10 gm. of 17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-115,175-diol-3- one were dissolved in 800 cc. of methylene chloride containing 10 cc. of methyl mercaptan and then 5 cc. of 32% perchloric acid were added thereto. After agitating the mixture for a few minutes at room temperature, an equal volume of water was added. The organic phase was separated, washed with water, dried and brought to dryness under vacuum. The product was purified by chromatography through silica gel to obtain 1.2 gm. of 11,8- methylthio-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17,8-01-3-one which was re-crystallized from isopropyl ether to obtain the product with a melting point of 136 C.

Analysis.-Calculated for C H O S (percent), molecular weight=342.48: C, 73.64; H, 7.65; S, 9.36. Found (percent): C, 73.5; H, 7.6; S, 9.1.

This compound is not described in the literature.

In analogous manner and starting with l7fl-benzyloxy- A -estradiene-11B o1 3-one; 17a-chloroethynyl-A estradiene-1lB,175-diol 3 one; 17a-methyl-A -estradiene-11B,17,8-diol 3 one; and 17a-ethyl-A -estradiene 115,17B-diol-3-one the corresponding llfl-methoxy, llfi-ethoxy, 11;8-isopropy1oxy, llfi-benzyloxy, 11,8- methylthio and other derivatives were prepared.

These compounds are not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE VIII Preparation of 11,8-thiol-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17.6-01-3-one 3 gm. of 17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-116,17B-diol-3-one :were dissolved in 30 cc. of methylene chloride containing 1.5 gm. of hydrogen sulfide per cc. of solution. Then 1.5 cc. of 65% perchloric acid were added thereto and the mixture was agitated for 2 minutes at room temperature. The solution was then washed with water, dried and filtered and evaporated to dryness. The raw product was purified by chromatography through silica gel to obtain 0.600 gm. of 1lfl-thiol-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene--01- 3-one which was repeatedly crystallized from isopropyl ether. The product had a melting point of C. and a specific rotation of [a] =+184.5 (c.=0.5% in dioxane).

Analysis.Calculated for C H O S (percent), molecular weight=328.45: C, 73.12; H, 7.37. Found (percent): C, 73.20; H, 7.4.

This compound is not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE IX Preparation of 1lfi-n-butylthio-17u-ethynyl-A estradiene-17 fi-ol-3-one 500 mg. of 17u-ethynyl-A -estradiene-l1fi,17[3-diol-3- one were dissolved in 50 cc. of methylene chloride and 1.6 cc. of n-butyl mercaptan and 0.25 cc. of 32% perchloric acid were added thereto. The solution was then agitated for 2 minutes at room temperature and then an equal volume of water was added thereto. After the agitation had ceased, the organic phase was decanted, washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The dry residue, weighing 667 mg. was purified by chromatography through silica gel to obtain 210 mg. of pure llfi-n-butylthio-17a-ethynyl- A -estradiene-17fl-ol-3-one which upon recrystallization from isopropyl ether had a melting point of 140 C.

This compound is not described in the literature.

In an analogous manner, starting with 17m-ethynyl-A estradiene-11 8,17fi-diol 3 one, 11;8-tert.-buty1oxy-17aethynyl-A -estradiene-17fl-ol-3-one having a melting point of @100" C. was prepared.

Ultra-violet spectra. (in ethanol) k 231-232 mg E{ =134 302 m E} g =412 This compound is not described in the literature.

9 EXAMPLE X Preparation of 7a-methyl-1lfi-methoxy-l7ot-ethnyl-A estradiene-17/i-ol-3-one STEP A; PREPARATION OF 3.3-DIMETHOXY-7a-METH- YL-17 a-ETHYNYL-A -ESTRADIENE-l7B-OD 105 cc. of ammonia were cooled to 50 C. and under agitation and a current of inert gas, 1750 gm. of potassium were added thereto, after which a current of acetylene was allowed to bubble through the reaction mixture for 30 minutes. The precipitate was diluted with 28 cc. of ether, then 28 cc. of ether and 7 gm. of 3,3-dimethoxy-7amethyl-A -estradiene-l7-one (prepared according to French Pat. No. 1,456,779) were added while maintaining the temperature at 50 C. and the agitation and the current of inert gas. Then the reaction mixture was agitated for 4 hours at -40 C. while passing a current of acetylene therethrough. Next, 3.5 gm. of ammonium chloride were introduced into the reaction mixture, the temperature was raised to C. and the ammonia was removed. Then, 30 cc. of water were added and the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride. The organic phase was washed with water until the wash waters were neutral, dried, filtered and evaporated to dryness to obtain 7.7 gm. of a raw l7rx-ethynyl derivative, which product was purified by chromatography through magnesium silicate and recrystallized from isopropyl ether to obtain 5.2 gm. (69% yield) of 3,3-dimethoxy-7u-methyl-17m ethynyl-A -estradiene-17/3-ol in the form of a solid, colorless product having a melting point of about 130 C. The product was soluble in the usual organic solvents and insoluble in water and in dilute aqueous acids and alkalis.

Infra-red spectra:

Absence of C=O Presence of OH at 3590 cm.-

Presence of CECH at 3300 cm.-

Presence of 2 bands, type L G; conjugated at 1643 cmr and 1612 cm.-

This compound is not described in the literature.

STEP B: PREPARATION OF 7a-METHYL17a-ETHYNYL- A -EstrRADIENE-17s-0u3-0NE 6.1 gm. of 3,3 dimethoxy 70c methyl-17a-ethynyl- A -estradiene-175-01 were placed in suspension in 30 cc. of acetic acid containing 5% water and the solution was agitated for 15 minutes at room temperature under an inert atmosphere. Then 15 cc. of water were added to the solution which was again agitated for 15 minutes. Thereafter, always at room temperature and under inert atmosphere, 300 cc. of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate were slowly added, the solution was iced for 30 minutes and filtered. The precipitate was vacuum filtered and the filtrate was washed with Water until the wash waters were neutral and then dried under vacuum to obtain 5.2 gm. of 70c methyl-17u-ethynyl A -estradiene-17,8-ol-3-one having a melting point of 226 C.

This compound occurred in the form of crystallized colorless needles which were soluble in the usual organic solvents and insoluble in water and in dilute aqueous acids and alkalis.

Ultra-violet spectra (in ethanol) Infiection towards 237 m E} g =610 1 cm. This spectra characterizes a hetero-annular diene. Infra-red spectra (in chlorofrom):

Presence of OH at 3590 cm.-

1 0 Presence of CE CH at 3300 cm.- Presence of non-conjugated ketone.

This compound is not described in the literature.

STEP C: PREPARATION OF 7a-METHYL-17a-ETHYNYL- A' -ES'TRADIENEI-I15,17/8-DIOL-3-ONE 1) Hydroperoxidation.-1.2 gm. of 7a-rnethyl-17w ethynyl A estradiene -17[3-ol-3-one were placed in suspension in 30 cc. of ethanol containing 1% of triethylamine and a stream of oxygen was passed through the solution for 24 hours at room temperature. Then the solution was evaporated to dryness to obtain 1.87 gm. of 71x methyl-1lfl-hydroperoxy-17aethynyl-M estradiene- 17fl-ol-3-one, which was utilized as such for the next step of the synthesis.

(2) Reduction.-The said ll-hydroperoxide derivative was introduced into 6.5 cc. of ethanol and 0.65 cc. of triethyl phosphite were added thereto. The mixture was agitated for 1 hour at reflux and then brought to room temperature and 1.3 cc. of 30% hydrogen peroxide and 1.3 cc. of distilled water were added. The reaction mixture was again agitated for 1 hour and then 35 cc. of water were added. The reaction mixture was extracted with methylene chloride and the organic phase was washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. The residue was triturated in hot isopropyl ether. then cooled and filtered. The precipitate obtained was vacuum filtered, washed with water and dried to obtain 0.79 gm. of 70c methyl-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-11B, 17B-diol-3-one in the form of a solid product having a melting point of about C. The product was slightly soluble in the usual organic solvents and insoluble in water and in dilute aqueous acids and alkalis.

Infra-red spectra (in chloroform):

Presence of CECH at 3300 cm.- Presence of conjugated ketone Ultra-violet spectra (in ethanol) A at 213-214 m E}'Z =149 A at 234 m E}" =141 Inflection towards 239-240 m E}"( ,=138 X at 299 mu E{" =556 This compound is not described in the literature.

STEP D: PREPARATION OF 7a-METHYL 11B-ME'I'HOXY- 17a-ETHYNYIrN -Es TRADlENE-l7B-OL-3-0NE 760 mg. of 7a-methyl-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-11,8, 17fi-diol-3-one were dissolved in 38 cc. of methylene chloride containing 0.5% of methanol and 0.16 cc. of 32% perchloric acid. The solution was agitated for 7 minutes, then an ice-water mixture was added and the reaction mixture was made alkaline with triethylamine. The organic phase was washed with water until the wash waters were neutral, dried, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The raw product was subjected to chromatography through magnesium silicate and then recrystallized from ethyl acetate by heating and cooling to obtain 520 mg. of 7a-methyl-1lB-methoxy 17a ethynyl A estradiene-l7fi-ol-3-one, having a melting point of 196 C.

Analysis-Calculated for: C H O (percent), molecular weight=340.44: C, 77.61; H, 8.29. Found (percent): C, 77.9; H, 8.0.

Infra-red spectra (in chloroform):

Presence of OH at 3590 cm.

Presence of Czat 3300 cm.

Presence of conjugated ketone Ultra-violet spectra (in ethanol) A... at 212 In E}"Z' =147 x...,,. at 240 m E}{; =139 This compound is not described in the literature.

1 1 In analogous fashion, but by replacing the methanol with ethanol and with isopropanol, 7ot-1Tl8thYl-11fl-6thOXY- 17cc ethynyl-A -estradiene-l7/3-ol-3-one and 7a-methyl- 11,8 isopropoxy-l7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17B-ol-3-one, respectively were obtained.

These products are not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE XI Preparation of 1lfl-azido-l7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17fl-ol-3-one 2 gm. of 17u-ethynyl-A -estradiene-11,3,17,8-diol-3-one were dissolved in 100 cc. of pure methylene chloride at room temperature. Under an atmosphere of nitrogen, 2 gm. of sodium azide were added and the mixture was agitated for 1 minute, after which 2 cc. of 65% perchloric acid were added and the mixture was again agitated for 3 minutes. The reaction mixture was poured into 200 cc. of an ice-water mixture and the organic phase was separated, washed first with water, then with a solution of sodium bicarbonate and again with water, and finally was distilled to dryness under vacuum. The residue obtained was dissolved in 10 cc. of ether and filtered. The precipitate was vacuum filtered and washed with ether to obtain 1.40 gm. of raw product which was purified by chromatography through magnesium silicate to obtain 11}? azido-17a-ethylnyl-A -estradiene-17,8-ol-3-one having a melting point of 152 C.

Analysis.Calculated for C H O N (percent), molecular weight 337.40: C, 71.19; H, 6.87; N, 12.45. Found (percent): C, 71.1; H, 7.0; N, 12.4.

Infra-red spectra (in chloroform):

Presence of N at 2090 cm.- Presence of C=O at 1660 cm. Presence of C=C at 1612 cmr Presence of OH at 3590 cm.- Presence of CECH at 3300 cm.-

Ultra-violet spectra (in ethanol) 7...... at 214 mu Elt...=151 Infleetion toward 228 mp E}";...,=l4l

Tmnx. at 292-293 ml; E}'Z 581 This compound is not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE X-II Preparation of 7a-methyl-1lfi-benzyloxy-lh-ethynyb A -estradiene-17B-ol-3-one 5 gm. of 7oa-methyl-l7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-11,8,17,6- diol-3-one prepared as described in Example X and 5.2 cc. of benzyl alcohol were introduced into 250 cc. of carbon tetrachloride. 2 cc. of 32% perchloric acid were added and this mixture was agitated several minutes. Then the reaction mixture was diluted with water, the organic phase was separated by decantation, then washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and finally evaporated to dryness. This raw product was subjected to chromatography through silica gel to obtain 7a-methyl- 1 lfl-benzyloxy-17ethynyl-A -estradiene-17fl-ol-3 -one.

This product is not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE XIII Preparation of 7a-methyl-1 1 fi-thioll7a-ethynyl-A estradiene-17fl-ol-3-one 4 gm. of 7a-methyl-17aethynyl-A -estradiene-l118, 17fi-diol-3-one, prepared as described in Example X, were introduced into 40 cc. of methylene chloride containing 0.60 gm. of hydrogen sulfide and 2 cc. of 65% perchloric acid were added thereto. The mixture was agitated for a few minutes at room temperature and after dilution with water, the organic phase was separated by decantation, washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The raw product was purified by chromatography through silica gel to obtain 1 2 7oz methyl 11/3 thiol 17a ethynyl A estradiene- 17,6-ol-3-one.

This product is not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE XIV Preparation of 7a-methyl-11 3-methylthio l7a-ethynyl- MP-estradiene-17fi-ol-3-one 5 gm. of 7 a-methyl-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-1113, 17,8-diol-3-one prepared as described in Example X, were introduced into 400 cc. of methylene chloride containing 5 cc. of methyl mercaptan and then 2.5 cc. of 32% perchloric acid were added. The mixture was agitated several minutes at room temperature and diluted with water. The organic phase was decanted off, washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. The raw product obtained was purified by chromatography through silica gel to obtain 7u-methyl-11 3-methylthio-17a-ethylyl-A -estradiene-17,B-ol-3-one.

This product is not described in the literature.

In an analogous fashion, by replacing methyl mercaptan with ethyl mercaptan, propyl mercaptan and butyl mercaptan, 70c methyl 11 8 ethylthio 17a ethynyl- A estradiene 17B ol 3 one, 706 methyl 11/5- propylthio-l7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene 17,6 ol-3-0ne and 70a methyl 11 3 bntylthio 17a ethynyl A estradiene-17,8-ol-3-one, respectively, were obtained.

These products are not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE XV Preparation of l1fl-methoxy-13/8-ethyl-17a-ethynyl-A gonadiene-l7fl-ol-3-one 0.5 gm. of l3 3-ethyl 17a-ethynyl A -gonadiene 1118, 17fi-diol-3-one were dissolved in 25 cc. of methylene chloride containing 0.15% of methanol. Then 0.1 cc. of 65 perchloric acid were added. The solution was agitated for several minutes at room temperature, then washed with water until the wash waters were neutral and evaporated to dryness in vacuum. The residue was chromatographed through silica gel, then eluted with a mixture benzene ethyl acetate. The product was purified by recrystallization from ether to obtain 0.2 gm. of llfi-methoxy 13fl-ethyl 17a-ethynyl A -gonadiene 17(3- ol-3-one having a melting point of 164 C. and a specific rotation [oc] -=1l0i2 C. (c.:0.58%, methanol).

Ultra-violet; spectra (in ethanol) me-1K. 7\,,,.,,. 295 m E}"Z.., =57 3 Analysis.Calculated for C H O (percent), molecular weight 340.44: C, 77.60; H, 8.29. Found (percent): C, 77.5; H, 8.6.,

The product which is not described in the laterature was soluble in alcohols, acetone, benzene and chloroform.

The starting product, the l3fi-ethyl-l7a-ethynyl-A gonadiene-l1B,17,8-diol-3-one (M.P. 200 C.), which is not described in the literature, may be obtained starting with ethyl-17a-ethynyl-A -gonadiene--01- 3-one, described in Belgian Pat. No. 663,534 and using processes described in Belgian Pats. Nos. 649,223 and 649,224, by reacting the oxygen with the 13fl-ethyl-17otethynyl-M -gonadiene-17 8-ol-3-one to obtain the llfl-hydroperoxy-BB ethyl 17a-ethynyl-A -gonadiene- 17,8-ol-3-one which is treated with a reducing agent to give the desired compound.

EXAMPLE XVI Preparation of 1lfi-methoxy-19-nor-n -pregnadiene-3,20- dione 5 gm. of l9-nor-A -pregnadiene-ll/3-ol-3,20-dione (prepared by the process of French Pat. No. 1,449,609) were dissolved in 250 cc. of methylene chloride containing 0.5% of methanol and 1.03 cc. of 32% perchloric acid were added to the resulting solution. After stirring for 2 minutes at room temperature, the solution was poured into an aqueous solution of triethylamine. The separated organic phase was washed with Water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The 4.85 gm. of raw 11,8-methoxy derivative was purified by chromatography over silica gel with elution by a 4:6 mixture of benzene-ethyl acetate and recrystallization from petroleum ether to obtain 1.8 gm. of 11fi-methoxy-19-nor- A -pregnadiene-3,20-dione melting at 84 C.

Analysis-Calculated for C H O (percent), molecular weight=328.43: C, 76.78; H, 8.59. Found (percent): C, 76.8; H, 8.6.

Ultra-violet spectrum (ethanol) Infra-red spectrum (chloroform):

Absence of OH Presence of C--OC Presence of PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDY (A) Hypocholesterolemiant action on the normal female rat The study was carried out on groups of female rats, having an average body weight of 200 gm. each. The rats were treated daily for a period of 10 days. The serous sterols were determined on the 11th day on the treated animals as well as on the controls. The steroids under study were utilized orally as aqueous suspensions and administered in daily doses of 50 /kg., 100 /kg., 200 /kg., 1 mg./kg., 2 mg./kg. and 5 rug/kg. depending upon the product used. The results are summarized in Table I.

TABLE I Doses Serous Sterols Groups Administered in gm.

Controls 0 0.

1lfi-methoxy-lh-ethynyl-N --estradiene-17fi-ol-3-0ne 1 50 0.26 (-53) 1 100 0.23 (-58) Controls 0 0. 66

llfi-methoxy-l7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17fi-ol-3-one l 200 0.20

Controls O 0. 69

116-ethoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17B-ol-3-one 1 50 0. 45 (-35) l 200 0. 29 (-58) Controls 0 0.76

lfi-methylthio-fla-ethynyl-N ---estradiene 17Bol-3-one 2 2 0. 37 (-49) Under the same test conditions, 7a-methyl-11fl-methoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-175-01 3 one caused a decline in sterolemia of 52% at the dose of 507/kg., of 65% at the dose of 200 /kg. and of 71% at the dose of 1 mg./kg.; 11,8-azido-17a-ethynyl-M- -estradiene-1718- ol-3-one caused a decline in sterolemia of 21% at the dose of 200 /kg., of 32% at the dose of 1 mg./kg. and of 52% at the dose of 5 mg./kg. while 1lfi-thiOl-17-aethynyl-A -estradiene-17,8-01-3-one at the dose of 2 mg./ kg. caused a decline of sterolemia by 42%.

(B) Determination of the hypophysial inhibitive effect Couples of 30-day old female rats of the same litter were united parabiotically. One of the united animals was castrated and treated daily over a period of 10 days, starting on the day following the pairing. The animals were sacrificed on the 11th day. The genital organs were removed and weighed. In this experiment, the castrated rats received by oral administration 6.25 12.50 and 25 per day of 11fi-methoxy-l7a-ethynyl-A' -estradiene- 17/3-ol-3-one, of 1lfi-ethoxy-17a-ethynyl A -estradienel7f3-ol-3-one and of 11,8-methylthio-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-175-ol-3-one, dissolved in olive oil admixed with 5% benzyl alcohol. The test comprised parabiotically united control animals, one castrated animal united parabiotically with an intact animal, and intact control ani mals not united parabiotically.

The test was eifected for comparison with ethynyl nortestoterone, administered under the same experimental conditions and at daily doses of 12.5 and 25 The re- 50 sults are summarized in Table II.

TABLE II Intact Rat Receiver Castrated Daily Doses Rat Donor, Mg. Mg. Groups Administered Mg. Uterus Ovaries Uterus Free Controls 0 30. 90 162. 48

United Controls 0 43. 54 119. 162. 0

1lfl-methoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17B-ol-3-one 6. 25 125. 62 44. 18 193. 62 12. 50 147. 21 15. 98 96. 36

Free Controls 0 25. 66 132. 08

United Controls 0 34. 30 131. 62 132. 88

1lfi-ethoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17B-ol-3-one 6. 25 116. 92 26. 48 146. 66 12.50 118.65 13. 86 66.83 25 131. 75 19. 50 135. 86

Free Controls 0 44. 5 209. 58

United Controls 0 55. 20 131. 157. 50

1Iii-methylthio-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17B-ol-3-one 6. 25 67. 20 83. 60 169. 67 12. 50 118. 60 77. 71 151. 60 25 121. 30 32. 71 63. 18

Free Controls 0 27. 48 160. 30

United Controls 0 42. 72 178. 34 175. 52

Ethynyl nortestosterone 12. 50 63. 20 67. 10 131. 02 25 66. 56 20. 11 76. 96

Table II shows that the three products possess an important hypophysial inhibitive activity. The hypophysial inhibition is complete at a dose of 12.5 for the 11- methoxyl compound, at a dose of 6.25 for the ll-ethoxyl compound and at a dose of 25 for the methylthio compound as well as for ethynyl nortestosterone. 5

1 6 at the dose of 25 At dose at which the hypophysial inhibition is attained according to the weight of the uterus of the castrated rat, the studied substance on this animal specie already shows a certain estrogenic action.

Table V shows the results obtained with 11/8-azido-17ozethynyl-A -estradiene-17fl-ol-3-one with the same test.

TABLE V Intact Rat Receiver castrated 7 Daily Doses Rat Donor Ovaries, Uterus, Groups Administcred Uterus, mg. mg. mg.

Free controls 0 24. 68 131. 22

United controls 0 20. 26 138. 86 206. 78

llfl azido 17m-cthynyl-A -estradicuo-17 3-ol-3-onc 6. 25 45. 36 62. 63 107. 46 12. 50 57. 60. 67 149. 67 122. 68 20. 98 87. 48

Free controls 0 27. 48 160.

United controls 0 42. 72 178. 34 175. 52

Ethynyl nortestosterone 12. 50 63. 20 67. 10 131. 02 25 66. 56 20. 11 76. 96

In Table III, the results obtained with 7u-methyl-l7aethynyl-11,B-methoxy-A estradiene-17fi-ol-3-one are presented.

Table V shows that the said product possesses a distinct hypophyso-inhibitive action, which is evidenced at the dose of 6.25 and which is complete at the dose of TABLE III Intact Rat Receiver Castrated Daily Doses Rat Donor Ovaries, Uterus, Groups Administered Uterus, mg. mg. mg.

Free controls 0 35. 66 145. 96

United controls 0 50. 44 128. 02 168. 20

7a-methyl-17aetliynyl-1lfi-methoxy-N -estradiene-17fi-0L3- One 1. 5627 126. 17 18. 92 62. 70 3. 125 150. 22 33. 74 113. 44

Ethynyl estradiol 0. 195 81. 27 73. 67 86. 15 0. 3907 86. 93 16. 25 06. 68

The minimum inhibitive dose of ethynyl estradiol is 0.390 while all of the doses of 7a-methyl-l7a-ethynyl- 11fl-methoxy-M- -estradiene-17fl-ol-3-one proved to be 25 This activity is as significant as that of ethynyl nortestosterone.

Table VI presents the results obtained with llfi-thiolentirely inhibitory. 17aethynyl-A -estradiene-17fi-ol-3-one in the same test.

TABLE VI Intact Rat Receiver castrated Daily Doses Rat Donor Ovaries, Uterus,

Groups Administered Uterus, mg. mg. mg.

Free controls 0 2s. 04 90. 26

United controls 0 .55. 76 152. 20 171 115thiol-l7a-cthynyl-A -"-estradiene-l7fl-ol-3-one 6. 25 51. 64 05. 20 131. 22

Free controls 0 27. 48 160.30

United controls 0 42. 72 178. 34 175. 52

Ethynyl nor-testosterone 12. 50 63. 20 67. 10 131. 02

In another experiment, 7a-methyl-17a-ethynyl-1lfi-methoxy-Ah -estradiene-17,6-ol-3-one was administered under the same experimental conditions at doses of 0.195

0.390 and 0.781 The results are summarized in Table 60 Table VI shows that the said product exerts a total hypophysial inhibitive action at the dose of 25 which activity is as significant as that of ethynyl nortestosterone.

TABLE IV Intact Rat Receiver Castrated Daily Doses Rat Donor Ovaries, Uterus, Groups Administered Uterus, mg. mg. mg. Free controls. 0 .1 32. 32 175. 92

Unified controls 0 61. 45 211. 10 196. 25

7 :t-methyl-17nt-ethynyl-lhB-methoxy-A -estradiene-l 718-01-3- one 0. 195 72. I70. 33 212. 06 0.390 71.76 71.22 173. 30 0. 781 112. 40 22. 02 140. 25

Table IV shows that this product exerts a complete hypophysoinhibitory action at the dose of 0.781 It should be noted that by way of comparison that ethynyl nortestosterone entirely inhibits the hypophysial secretions only (C) Estrogenic activity The estrogenic activity was determined using the procedure of Rubin (Endocrynology, 1951, vol. 49, p. 429).

Female mice, 19-21 days old, were treated by subcutaneous administration of the test compounds for 3 days. On the 4th day the uterus of each animal was removed, dissected and weighed. The three compounds studied were dissolved in olive oil admixed with 5% benzyl alcohol at a volume of 0.1 cc. The mice received total doses of 10 30 90 270 and 8107 within three days. Table VII summarizes the results obtained. By way of comparison, the results obtained with ethynyl estradiol under the same experimental conditions are included therein.

18 The product at the dose administered had an antiandrogenic activity as indicated by the lower weight of the prostate and seminal vesicules without loss of testicule weight.

(E) Progestomimetic activity The progestomimetic activity was determined by the Clauberg test using immature rabbits which have been previously sensitized by a daily subcutaneous dose of 10 g. of benzoate of estradiol for 5 days. The animals were then treated daily for 5 days with 11fi-methoxy-19- TABLE VII Average Weight of Uterus in mg.

Total doses distributed over 3 days 10 307 907 270 810 Treatment by Subcutaneous Administration:

1lB-methoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17B-o13-one 8. 3 20. 6 25 8 66. 4 83.9 84. 8

1IB-etboxy-17er-ethynyl-A estradiene-l7fibl-3one 11 5 53.6 64. 7 78. 7 79. 7 93. 3

11fl-methylthio-l7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-l7fl-ol-3-one 11. 4 32. 3 46. 0 75. 0 90. 1

Total doses distributed over 3 days 0 0. 037 (1095i 0. 277

Ethynyl estradiol 10. 2 21. 3 61 8 115. 4

In this test, 1lp-methoxy-17m-ethynyl-n -estradiene- 17B-ol-3-one and 1lfl-methylthio-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17fl-ol-3-one manifest an estrogenic activity about 1000 times weaker than that of ethynyl estradiol. The estrogenic activity of 1lp-ethoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17B-ol-3-one is about of that of ethynyl estradiol.

estradiene-17fiol-3-one is about M of that of ethynyl estradiol.

Tests conducted with 7u-methy1- 11B methoxy-17aethynyl-A -estradiene-l7 3-ol-3-one showed an estrogenic action one hundred timesweaker than that of ethynyl estradiol.

(D) Anti-androgenic activity The anti-androgenic activity was determined in rats in puberty weighing about 200 gm. 11fl-methoxy-19-nor- A -pregnadiene-3,ZO-dione in an aqueous suspension was administered subcutaneously at a volume of 0.2 cc. at a daily dose of mg. of product. The administrations were efiected 12 times over, 14 days. On the 15th day, the animals were sacrificed by carotidienic bleeding and the seminal vesicles, the prostate gland and the testicles were recovered. The results are shown in Table IX.

nor-A -pregnadiene-3,20-dione in a solution of olive oil containing 5% benzyl alcohol. The said product was administered orally and subcutaneously at a daily dose of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg. On the sixth day, the animals were sacrificed and the uterus was examined for the lacy endometric proliferation characteristic of progestomimetic activity. The rating was in MacPhail units and the results are in Table X.

TAB LE X Daily Dose MacPhail in mg. Units Method of Administration:

Oral 0. 5 0. 6 1. 0 0.8 2. 0 1. 8 Subcutaneous 0. 5 0. 5 1.0 1.0 2. 0 2. 0

Table X shows that 1lfi-methoxy-l9-nor-A -pregnadiene-3,20-dione has a clear progestomimetic activity at a dosage of 2.0 mg.

Various modifications of the compositions and method of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

We claim:

1. A 1lfi-substituted-llifl-lower alkyl steroid of the formula wherein R is selected from the group consisting of lower allkoxywhich may be be substituted with halogen, hydroxy and cyano, aralkoxy, thiol, lower alkylthio, aralkylthio and azido, R is selected from the group consisting TABLE IX Daily Dose Seminal Administered, Testieles, Vesicles, Prostate, mg. mg. mg. mg.

Controls O 2, 560 424 375 llfl-methoxy-lQ-nor-A -pregnadiene-3,20-dione 10 (-23%) (-63%) (-53%) 1 9 of hydrogen and lower alkyl, R, is lower alkyl and Y is selected from the group consisting of OH Oac OH H 11 lower alkyl OH OH 4 lower alkynyl, halo lower alkynyl and lower alkyl wherein Ac is an acyl of .an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to 18 carbon atoms and Z is lower alkyl .of 1 to 7 carbon atoms.

2. A compound of claim 1 wherein R is hydrogen.

3. A steroid of the formula wherein R is selected from the group consisting of'lower alkoxy, aralkoxy, SI-I, azido and lower alkylthio; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl, Y is selected from the group consisting of C 0 Z O 0 Z H lower alkyl and Z is lower alkyl, R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkynyl and lower chloro alkynyl and R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an acyl radical of an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and R is lower alkyl.

4. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1 1 B-methoxy- 1 7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17 ,8-ol-3-one.

5. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1 lB-ethoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-l7fi-ol-3-one.

6. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is llfl-isopropyloxy 17a. ethynyl-A -estradiene-l7j8-ol-3- one.

7. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1 IB-benzyloxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17f3-ol-3-one.

8. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1lfl-methylthio-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-l7fi-ol-3-pne.

9. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 11fi-methoxy-A -estradiene-l7fl-ol-one. v

10. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1 1 B-methylthiol7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17B-ol-3-6f1e.

11. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1 lB-methoxy-l7a-methyl-A -estradiene-1713-01-3 -on.

12. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1 1 fi-thiol-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17B-ol-3-one.

13. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1 1 8-n-butylthio-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17fi-ol-3-one.

14-. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 11,8-tert.-butyloxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-173-01-3- one.

15. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 7a methyl 11,3 methoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17/3-ol-3-one.

16. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 7a methyl 115 ethoxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17B-ol-3-one.

17. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 700 methyl 1lB-isopropyloxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene-17fi-ol-3-one.

18. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1 l fl-azido-17a-ethynyl-M- -estradiene-17j8-ol-3-one.

19. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 7c! methyl 1IB-benzyloxy-17a-ethynyl-A -estradienel7 8-ol-3-one.

v 20. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is methyl-11/3-thiol-17a-ethyny1-A -estradiene-175-01- 3-0ne.

21. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 70: methyl 1lfi-methylthio-17a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17fl-ol-3-one.

22. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 70: methyl 11 3 ethylthio-l7a-ethynyl-A -estradiene- 17/3-ol-3-one.

23. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 74! methyl 1lp-propylthio-17a-ethynyl-A' -estradiene- 17,8-01-3-onc.

24. A compound of claiml wherein the compound is 7a methyl 1lfl-n-butylthio-17a-ethyny1-A -estradiene- 17,6-ol-3-one.

25. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is methoxy-13B-ethyl-17a-ethynyl-A -gonadiene-17B- ol-3-one.

26. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1 1fl-ethoxy-A -estradiene-3,17-dione.

27. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1 lB-ethoxy-A -estradiene-17/8-ol-3-0ne.

28. A compound of claim 1 wherein the compound is 1 lp-methoxy-19-nor-A -pregnadiene-3,20-dione.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,211,764 10/1965 Brown et al. 260-397.45 3,301,756 1/1967 Joly et a1. l6765 3,432,528 3/1969 Anner et a1. 260-3973 3,444,297 5/1969 Nomine et al. 424243 3,453,267 7/1969 Vignau et a1 260239.55

OTHER REFERENCES Smith et al., Journ. Chem. 800., November 1964, pp. 4472-4492, p. 4476 pertinent.

LEWIS GOTTS, Primary Examiner E. G. LOVE, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE H CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION 3,519,654 July 7, 1970 Patent No. Dated lnventofls) Daniel Bejtin et a1.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 44, "hypocholesteroleminant" should read hypocholesterolemiant line 46, "physical" should read physial Column 3 line 62 omitted after "118". Column 6, line 45, "176", first occurrence, should read 17a Column 7, line 11, "176", first occurrence, should read 17a Column 12 line 56, "laterature" should read literature Column 17 Table IX, after "116- methoxy" etc. numerals should appear as follows:

Above "(-8%) 2335 Above "(63%) 156 Above "(-53%) 177 Signed and sealed this 15th day of December 1970.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR. Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM POWSO ($69) USCOMM-DC wan-Pee Q ".5. GOVERNMENT PIHYING OFFICE: IQ. ,.-!!l 

